Certain vessels flying the Norwegian flag

Proposed amendments to the Regulations on the construction of ships.

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) is circulating for review the proposed amendments to the Regulations on the construction of ships, which apply to vessels flying the Norwegian flag.

The NMA has proposed adjustments to section 11 and section 13 and is introducing a new section 13a in the Regulations on the construction of ships. The requirement currently contained in section 11 second paragraph has been moved to the new section 13a and will now apply to all ships engaged in anchor-handling operations. The existing section 13 has been divided into two parts in the proposed Regulation: section 13 will apply to towing equipment, while the new section 13a will apply to anchor-handling equipment.
While most of the requirements in section 13 and new section 13a remain unchanged from the current provisions, certain unclear requirements have been clarified for better understanding, some reflecting the NMA`s administrative practices.
The requirements in section 13 apply to all cargo ships engaged in towing and are largely consistent with the current regulations for towing equipment.
The new section 13a applies to ships engaged on domestic voyages and to cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on foreign voyages. In addition, it applies to cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards on foreign voyages with anchor-handling winches installed before 1. January 2026, cf. section 13a first paragraph.
The amendments to the Regulations will enter into force on 1 January 2026.